Some drivers have the idea that if they can't get off ice or out of a snow rut by spinning their wheels at half speed, they just might as well scare the car out by gunning the engine!

Then it's "SCREECH" as the spinning tire digs and melts its way through to hard surface.  Then it's "SNAP - CLUNK" as something breaks!

With the torque of the engine suddenly applied against drive line components, something has to give.

That's more than the universal joints or CV joints were designed to handle. These flexible joints that transmit power from the engine to the wheels twist as much as 29 million times in ten thousand miles!

When they become worn a little, extra slack can be just enough to allow a sudden jerk to cause a break.  And if you're the heavy-footed type, you may end up paying a hefty repair bill!

The spinning wheel, incidentally, turns at double the speed shown on your speedometer, enough to cause a tire to fly apart.  To protect your tires, your drive line components and your automatic transmission, take it easy when you try to "rock" your car out of a snow bank this winter!